The Real Estate Sessions

In this episode, we delve into the compelling journey of Lauren Toppins, the founder and broker of Cherrywood Real Estate, who transitioned from a career as an attorney to a prominent figure in the real estate industry. Our discussion encompasses her formative years in Oklahoma and her profound appreciation for the state’s vibrant culture, particularly as it relates to community and family. We exp...

Michelle Berman-Mikel shares the autonomy inherent in the worlds of real estate and mortgage professions, emphasizing that aspiring solopreneurs must take the initiative to cultivate their own business and revenue streams. The conversation, hosted by Bill Risser, delves into Michelle's extensive background, including her transition from competitive swimming and her journey into entrepreneurship. S...

John Bjorlie, a stage four prostate cancer patient, epitomizes the notion of living life fully, even in the face of terminal illness. In this episode, we explore his remarkable initiative, the "John Bjorlie Die Happy Tour 2024," which serves as a celebration of life and an opportunity to reconnect with friends and loved ones across the country. John shares his profound insights about the importanc...

The episode presents a deeply reflective examination of John Bjorlie’s 'Die Happy Tour', an initiative born from his desire to embrace life and connect with loved ones during his terminal illness. Bill Risser eloquently narrates John's journey, capturing both the joy and sorrow woven into his experiences as he travels to see family and friends, culminating in the poignant moment of attending his o...

Russell Marsan, a distinguished expert from IPX 1031, shares the intricacies and significant advantages of 1031 exchanges, which facilitate the deferral of capital gains taxes on real estate transactions. He emphasizes the common misconception that only properties of the same type can be exchanged, clarifying that any property utilized for investment or business purposes qualifies as like-kind. Th...

The conversation with Sam Mehrbod shares the profound parallels between the arduous journey of pursuing a Ph. D. and the entrepreneurial path, emphasizing the necessity of self-reliance and resilience. In his insightful dialogue, Sam reflects on the absence of a universal formula for success, underscoring that individuals must navigate their own challenges with tenacity and perseverance. He shares...

AK Lalani, the founder of Rollout, joins us to share the profound challenges associated with API integrations within the real estate sector. He elucidates how Rollout endeavors to streamline the integration process, thereby enabling proptech companies to focus on their core offerings without the burden of complex API management. Drawing from his rich background, including a formative upbringing in...

The conversation with Karla Saladino elucidates the intricate dynamics of real estate transactions in Manhattan, particularly highlighting the challenges posed by privacy concerns and the unique market structure that eschews traditional MLS systems. Saladino, a co-founder of Mirador Real Estate, articulates the necessity for brokers to maintain direct control over high-value listings, advocating a...

The salient point of our discussion with Todd Carpenter revolves around the transformative nature of social media and technological advancements within the real estate industry, particularly in relation to compliance and image management. I elucidate how Todd has significantly contributed to bridging the gap between emerging technologies and real estate practices, particularly through his current...

Florin Patrasciou, a prominent figure in the real estate sector, elucidates the transformative evolution of real estate transactions, emphasizing the profound impact of technological advancements on the industry. He recalls the cumbersome processes of the past, where clients were required to sign multiple original documents, contrasting sharply with contemporary practices that favor efficiency and...

The salient point of this discussion centers on the imperative for real estate agents to possess a comprehensive understanding of their local market dynamics. It is imperative that agents convey pertinent data to their clientele—buyers and sellers alike—to elucidate the current state of the market, thereby facilitating informed decision-making. The conversation also underscores the necessity of ma...

The forthcoming dialogue features Joe Rand, a distinguished figure in the real estate sector, who elucidates the significant transformations currently reshaping the industry, particularly concerning the new regulations surrounding buyer broker compensation. As he articulates, these changes necessitate that buyers and their agents engage in more nuanced negotiations regarding compensation, a depart...

In this episode, I, Bill Risser, take the opportunity to discuss several personal reflections and significant events occurring in my life. I emphasize the importance of colorectal cancer awareness, particularly the necessity of scheduling colonoscopies for those eligible, as I participated in a local awareness walk. Additionally, I share my enthusiasm for the impending baseball season and my plans...

Christian Dwiggins, co-founder and co-CEO of Rayse, articulates a transformative vision for the real estate industry, focusing on the imperative of enhancing agent-client relationships through innovative technology. The primary salient point of our discussion centers on Rayse's pioneering buyer presentation tool, which seeks to empower agents by providing them with a rich, interactive platform tha...

Diana Zaya, the esteemed founder and CEO of Maverick Systems, engages in a profound discourse with host Bill Risser regarding the critical importance of agent retention in the real estate industry. At the forefront of this episode is the salient observation that retaining agents is significantly more feasible than recruiting new ones, a point that underscores the necessity for robust retention str...

A Survivor's Call to Action: Understanding Colorectal Cancer The discussion centers on the critical importance of colorectal cancer awareness, particularly during the month dedicated to its recognition. I emphasize the significance of early detection, underscoring that the survival rate markedly improves when the disease is identified at its localized stage. With colorectal cancer being the second...

The primary focus of this podcast episode is the continuous journey of learning and adaptation within the real estate industry, as articulated by Richard McDonough. He emphasizes the necessity of embracing change and fostering relationships amidst the evolving landscape of real estate, highlighting his belief that agents must remain proactive and engaged. Richard shares insights from his unique ca...

The conversation presented in this podcast episode with Vanessa LeVesque unveils the profound transformation of her artistic journey and the pivotal moments that shaped her into the artist she is today. Central to our discussion is the notion that the pursuit of art can be both an organic and liberating process, as Vanessa reflects on her initial hesitations about a career in the arts, stemming fr...

Clients desire to feel valued and understood, a sentiment that underscores the essential nature of effective communication in the realm of real estate. In this discourse, I delve into the pivotal role that nurturing relationships plays in fostering a successful career within the industry. By listening attentively to client needs, responding promptly to inquiries, and offering personalized guidance...

Curiosity: The Secret Ingredient for Successful Real Estate Relationships Curiosity is a powerful tool in building professional relationships, especially in real estate. By prioritizing asking questions over delivering sales pitches, agents can foster deeper connections with potential clients. Bill Risser emphasizes the importance of genuinely understanding clients' goals and challenges, which not...

Building a Better Real Estate Business: Insights from Mark Choey Mark Choey emphasizes the critical importance for real estate agents to focus on converting leads into clients, as this is essential for their survival and success in the industry. With nearly 25 years of experience, he shares insights from his journey, including his time as a co-founder of Climb Real Estate, where he and his partner...

Navigating Real Estate with Authenticity: Insights from Chelsea Peitz Chelsea Peitz emphasizes the transformative power of video communication in today's digital landscape, highlighting that consumers are increasingly expecting to see people on video to establish connections. With a background in clinical psychology, Chelsea shares her journey from aspiring therapist to a leading voice in real est...

Unlocking Home Equity: How HouseAmp is Revolutionizing Real Estate  Rick Hennessey, the CEO of HouseAmp, joins Bill Risser to discuss innovative solutions in the real estate market that empower homeowners to maximize their home sale potential. House Amp provides a unique platform that enables sellers to access equity for home improvements without any upfront costs, making it easier to sell homes...

Reflecting on 2024: Lessons from the Real Estate Trenches Sean Carpenter joins Bill Risser for the final episode of the Real Estate Sessions podcast in 2024, focusing on effective business planning for the upcoming year. They discuss the importance of reflecting on the past year to set meaningful goals and avoid the pitfalls of simply pursuing success without a clear direction. Carpenter emphasize...

Mary-Anne Gillespie, CEO of Red Apple Coaching, shares her dynamic journey from homelessness to becoming a leading figure in real estate coaching. She emphasizes that less than 7% of realtors can excel in both sales and operations, highlighting the importance of having systems in place to support success. Mary-Anne's high-energy approach is evident as she discusses the necessity of investing in co...